Detroit's automakers appealed to congressional leaders Thursday for $25 billion more in federal loans, low-interest emergency borrowing and a share of the Wall Street bailout to help rescue an ailing industry battered by the economic crisis.

The government decided Tuesday to exempt Nissan Motor from a fuel economy rule, a highly unusual move due to concern that enforcement could lead to U.S. job losses. The exemption applies to vehicles from the 2006 to 2010 model years.